Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Skyrockets into Top 10, Surpasses $1 Billion in Just One Year

• How Did RLUSD Achieve This Remarkable Growth?
• What's Driving RLUSD's Institutional Adoption?
• Why Are Retail Users Flocking to RLUSD?
• How Does RLUSD Fit Into Ripple's Broader Strategy?
• What Challenges Does RLUSD Face Moving Forward?
• Frequently Asked Questions

In a stunning display of growth, Ripple's dollar-pegged stablecoin RLUSD has shattered expectations by breaking into the top 10 stablecoins by market cap and crossing the $1 billion threshold less than a year after its December 2024 launch. This meteoric rise signals growing confidence in Ripple's expanding digital asset ecosystem and positions RLUSD as a serious competitor in the $250 billion stablecoin market. With strategic partnerships and dual-chain functionality, RLUSD is rewriting the rules of cross-border settlements while gaining surprising traction among retail users.

How Did RLUSD Achieve This Remarkable Growth?

The numbers tell an incredible story - RLUSD's market capitalization has exploded by 1,278% since the beginning of 2025, reaching the $1 billion milestone in November. According to CoinMarketCap data, this growth trajectory outpaced most competitors, with RLUSD hitting $900 million just days before crossing the billion-dollar mark. What makes this achievement particularly impressive is that it occurred in a crowded stablecoin market dominated by giants like Tether's USDT ($183B) and Circle's USDC ($75B). RLUSD now sits comfortably at #10, trading neck-and-neck with PayPal's PYUSD and MakerDAO's DAI in daily volumes averaging $174 million.

What's Driving RLUSD's Institutional Adoption?

Ripple has strategically positioned RLUSD as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets through key partnerships. The integration with GTreasury, Ripple Prime, and Rail has created a powerful network enabling faster, more compliant global settlements. "With these partners joining our network, RLUSD and XRP are ready to deliver next-generation settlement solutions," Ripple stated in a recent X post. The October 2025 acquisition of crypto-friendly prime broker Hidden Road for $1.25 billion further strengthened Ripple's ecosystem, connecting traditional finance with digital asset liquidity in ways we've never seen before.

Why Are Retail Users Flocking to RLUSD?

Initially targeted at institutional users, RLUSD has unexpectedly gained significant retail traction through several smart moves:

• Expanded accessibility via payment platforms like Transak
• Growing adoption in self-custody wallets including Xaman
• Dual-chain availability on both Ethereum and XRP Ledger
• Increased acceptance in cross-border settlement solutions

Data from RWA.xyz shows about 80% of RLUSD supply exists on Ethereum, with 20% on XRP Ledger - a balance that demonstrates the successful execution of Ripple's dual-chain strategy. This approach gives developers and liquidity providers flexibility while offering users choice in how they interact with the stablecoin.

How Does RLUSD Fit Into Ripple's Broader Strategy?

The stablecoin's success coincides with Ripple's expansion into new services, including a recently launched US-based digital asset prime brokerage. This move, following the Hidden Road acquisition, positions Ripple as a unique bridge between traditional finance and crypto markets. While RLUSD still trails market leaders, its rapid ascent suggests Ripple may have found the right formula combining institutional-grade infrastructure with retail-friendly accessibility. The company's ability to leverage its existing XRP ecosystem gives RLUSD advantages most new stablecoins lack.

What Challenges Does RLUSD Face Moving Forward?

Despite its impressive growth, RLUSD operates in an increasingly competitive and regulated environment. The stablecoin must continue differentiating itself while navigating evolving compliance requirements. Its dual-chain nature, while innovative, also presents technical challenges in maintaining parity across networks. Additionally, as Ripple expands its services, maintaining focus on RLUSD's development will be crucial against established competitors with first-mover advantage.

This article does not constitute investment advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was RLUSD launched?

RLUSD was launched in December 2024 and reached $1 billion market capitalization by November 2025.

What networks support RLUSD?

RLUSD operates on both ethereum (80% of supply) and XRP Ledger (20%), offering users flexibility in chain selection.

How does RLUSD compare to other stablecoins?

While smaller than USDT and USDC, RLUSD's rapid growth has placed it alongside PYUSD and DAI in the top 10 stablecoins by market cap.

Can I earn interest on RLUSD?

While Ripple doesn't currently offer interest-bearing RLUSD products, some third-party platforms may provide earning opportunities.

Is RLUSD available on BTCC exchange?

Yes, RLUSD is available for trading on BTCC along with other major cryptocurrency exchanges.